Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement

Introduction and Scope

This Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement sets out the steps taken by Waste Collection Haringey to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our operations and supply chains. It applies to all employees, agency workers, contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers engaged in providing goods and services to or on behalf of Waste Collection Haringey.

We recognise that modern slavery is a serious crime and a fundamental violation of human rights. We are committed to acting ethically and with integrity in all business relationships and to implementing systems and controls that seek to ensure modern slavery does not occur anywhere in our organisation or supply chains.

Our Zero-Tolerance Policy

Waste Collection Haringey has a clear zero-tolerance approach to all forms of modern slavery, including forced labour, bonded labour, child labour that is exploitative or illegal, human trafficking, servitude, and any abuse of vulnerability or coercion for labour or services.

No form of modern slavery is acceptable in any part of our activities. Any breach of this policy by employees may result in disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal. Any supplier or contractor found to be involved in or complicit with modern slavery practices will face remedial action, which may include suspension of work, termination of contract, and reporting to relevant authorities where appropriate.

Supply Chain Standards and Supplier Audits

Our supply chain includes providers of waste collection vehicles, equipment, protective clothing, maintenance services, cleaning and facilities services, and labour agencies. We expect all suppliers and contractors to share our commitment to preventing modern slavery.

As part of our supplier management process, we require suppliers to confirm their compliance with applicable labour and human rights legislation and to adhere to our standards on fair treatment, safe working conditions, and lawful employment practices.

We undertake risk-based supplier audits to verify that our expectations are being met. These audits may include on-site inspections, document reviews relating to employment and working conditions, and interviews with workers where appropriate. Where risks or non-conformances are identified, we work with suppliers to agree corrective action plans and monitor progress. Persistent or serious non-compliance may result in the termination of the commercial relationship.

Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing

Waste Collection Haringey encourages anyone who has concerns or suspicions about modern slavery within our operations or supply chain to report them without delay. Concerns may be raised by employees, agency workers, suppliers, contractors, or members of the public.

Reports can be made through existing internal reporting channels, including line managers and our senior management team. We also support the use of confidential whistleblowing mechanisms, which allow individuals to raise concerns in good faith without fear of victimisation, retaliation, or disadvantage.

All reports will be treated seriously and investigated promptly and impartially. Where appropriate, we will work with law enforcement bodies, regulatory authorities, and other relevant organisations to address and resolve issues. We are committed to protecting those who raise concerns and to ensuring that genuine whistleblowers are not subjected to any detriment.

Training, Awareness, and Continuous Improvement

We provide appropriate training and guidance to staff whose roles involve managing suppliers, procurement, or frontline operational activities, so they can identify indicators of modern slavery and know how to respond to concerns. Awareness of modern slavery risks is promoted through our policies, induction processes, and ongoing communications.

We are committed to continual improvement of our approach, including strengthening due diligence processes, enhancing supplier engagement, and refining our risk assessment methods as our understanding of modern slavery risks develops.

Monitoring and Annual Review

This Modern Slavery Statement will be reviewed annually by senior management to assess its effectiveness and to ensure it remains aligned with legal requirements, best practice, and the nature of our operations and supply chains.

As part of the annual review, we will consider the outcomes of supplier audits, reported concerns, investigations, and any remedial actions taken. Where necessary, we will update our policies, procedures, and training to address emerging risks and to reinforce our zero-tolerance stance.

This statement has been approved by the leadership of Waste Collection Haringey and represents our ongoing commitment to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking in all aspects of our work.